Firearms And Ammunition

The information shown below pertains to travel within the United States only (unless stated otherwise). For international destinations, please contact Reservations.

American Airlines does not accept firearms in checked baggage to or from the United Kingdom
(except for military or government personnel with proper documentation).

General Information

Firearms are accepted on American and American Eagle operated itineraries only.

Firearms and ammunition are accepted as checked baggage only and must be declared to an agent at check-in.

Firearms will only be accepted if unloaded and in a locked, hard-sided container such as a rifle case. TSA approved locks are accepted.

Ammunition in its original packaging from the manufacturer is preferred, however it will be accepted in fiber, wood or metal boxes, or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. Loose ammunition, magazines or clips will not be accepted.

Firearms may not be checked curbside.

No one under 18 years of age may check a firearm.

Pellet and BB guns are not considered firearms, therefore do not require any special handling or documentation.

State laws regarding the possession of firearms vary. Please be sure to check your destination state requirements before you travel.

Allowance

Maximum per case is three rifles/shotguns or five pistols/revolvers, ammunition, shooting mat, noise suppressors, and tools. There is no limit on the amount of cases allowed.

Ammunition is limited to 11 lbs./5 kgs. per passenger.

Charges may apply based on the number of checked bags in addition to oversize/overweight charges. Visit the Baggage Allowance page for more information.

Law Enforcement Officers Flying Armed

All Law Enforcement Offices (LEOs) flying armed are required to check in with an American Airlines airport agent. State, local and territorial LEOs flying armed must submit a National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS) message during airport check-in to the American Airlines airport agent. The NLETS message sent by the employing agency replaces the original letter of authority, signed by the chief or agency head, required under 49 CFR 1544.219. Once the NLETS message is received by TSA, a return NLETS message will be sent to the employing agency with an eight-character unique alphanumeric Identifier for verification at the airport on the day of travel. The current procedures for federal LEOs flying armed remains unchanged.

The aircraft operator must do the following:

(i) Obtain information or documentation required in paragraphs (a)(3)(ii), (iii), and (iv) of this section.

(ii) Advise the armed LEO, before boarding, of the aircraft operator's procedures for carrying out this section.

(iii) Have the LEO confirm he/she has completed the training program "Law Enforcement Officers Flying Armed" as required by TSA, unless otherwise authorized by TSA.

(iv) Ensure that the identity of the armed LEO is known to the appropriate personnel who are responsible for security during the boarding of the aircraft.

(v) Notify the pilot in command and other appropriate crewmembers, of the location of each armed LEO aboard the aircraft. Notify any other armed LEO of the location of each armed LEO, including FAM's. Under circumstances described in the security program, the aircraft operator must not close the doors until the notification is complete.

(vi) Ensure that the information required in paragraphs (a)(3)(i) and (ii) of this section is furnished to the flight crew of each additional connecting flight by the Ground Security Coordinator or other designated agent at each location.